Sofia Martinez
Whether you're looking to restore old action figures or simply want to give new ones a unique look, repainting plastic figurines is a fun and easy project for crafters of all skill levels. It's a great way to save money and give new life to old toys, without the hassle of finding an exact replacement. With the right tools and techniques, you can make your figurines look as good as new or transform them into one-of-a-kind creations. In the following steps, you'll learn how to prepare your figurine, choose the right paint, and apply a finish that will protect your work for years to come.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why repaint plastic figurines? | To save money, to breathe new life into old playthings, and to protect them from wear and tear |
| What to do before repainting? | Thoroughly wash the figurine, spray off with a hose if very dirty, and scrub by hand if necessary |
| What paint to use? | Acrylic paints |
| What paint to avoid? | Oil-based paints, as they don't react well with plastic and may never fully dry |
| What tools are needed? | Paintbrushes of various sizes, from very fine to a little wider |
| How to start the painting process? | Prime the figurine with a thin, light coat of primer paint |
| What to do after painting? | Allow the paint to dry completely before handling, this may take a few days depending on the type of paint used |
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What You'll Learn
- Prepare the figurine: Wash and dry the figurine, removing dirt and peeling labels
- Prime: Apply thin coats of primer paint to the figurine, avoiding thick coats to prevent streaking
- Choose paint: Opt for acrylic paint, avoiding oil-based paints that may not dry properly on plastic
- Painting process: Use various sizes of paintbrushes, from fine to wide, to carefully paint the figurine
- Sealant: Apply a sealant to protect the paint and ensure longevity. Allow the sealant to dry completely before handling
Prepare the figurine: Wash and dry the figurine, removing dirt and peeling labels
To prepare your plastic figurine for repainting, it's important to start with a clean surface. Begin by giving the figurine a thorough wash with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris. If there are any peeling labels on the figurine, you'll need to remove them carefully to ensure you don't damage the surface underneath.
One effective method for removing sticky labels and residue from plastic is to use a solvent such as rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, or even inexpensive vodka. Soak a cotton ball, rag, or paper towel in your chosen solvent and press it onto the label for at least 15 minutes. This will help to break down the adhesives, making the label easier to remove. You can then use a sponge dipped in alcohol to wipe away any leftover residue. Always test on a small area first to ensure the solvent doesn't damage the plastic.
Another option is to use heat to loosen the label adhesive. However, be cautious when applying heat to plastic as it can warp or melt the material. A hairdryer on a warm setting can be effective, but avoid using the hottest temperature. Apply heat directly to the label for 30-second intervals, checking regularly to see if the label can be easily peeled away.
For more stubborn stickers, you can use a commercial adhesive remover like Goo Gone or Turtle Wax Sticker Remover. Apply the product to the label with a rag or paper towel and allow it to work for a few minutes before peeling the label away.
Once all the labels have been removed, give the figurine a final wash with soap and water to ensure no residue is left behind. Then, dry the figurine thoroughly before moving on to the repainting stage.
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Prime: Apply thin coats of primer paint to the figurine, avoiding thick coats to prevent streaking
When you're ready to prime your plastic figurine, start by choosing the right primer. Primers designed specifically for plastic models have special formulations that promote better adhesion and prevent damage to the plastic. Consider the characteristics of the plastic material and your desired finish. For light-coloured plastic models, a white or light grey primer is ideal. For dark-coloured models, opt for a black or dark grey primer. If you're unsure, a neutral grey primer is a safe choice for most plastic figurines. Acrylic primers, in particular, are versatile, user-friendly, and widely compatible with plastic materials.
Before priming, it's crucial to prepare the surface of your figurine. Start by cleaning it with a mild soap or detergent and warm water, gently scrubbing with a soft brush to remove any dirt, grease, or mould release agents. This step ensures that the primer adheres well to the surface. Once the figurine is clean and dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to sand it in circular motions. This process helps roughen the surface, allowing the primer to bond more effectively.
Now, you're ready to apply the primer. The key is to apply thin, gradual coats to achieve complete coverage without streaking. Using an airbrush or spray can, gently mist the surface with primer, building up the coverage layer by layer. This technique ensures a smooth and consistent finish. Avoid applying thick coats, as this can lead to streaking, melting, or a loss of detail. Take your time and work in light, even layers.
If you're using a rattle can for the first time, practice beforehand to get a feel for the application. The chemicals in the primer can be very hot, and applying too much at once can melt the plastic, resulting in a blob-like appearance or a loss of detail. With experience, you'll develop a better sense of how much primer to apply and how to achieve the desired coverage without overdoing it. Remember, thin and gradual coats are the key to success!
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Choose paint: Opt for acrylic paint, avoiding oil-based paints that may not dry properly on plastic
When it comes to repainting plastic figurines, the type of paint you choose is crucial. Acrylic paint is a great option for this purpose, and here's why:
Acrylic paint is versatile and can be used on various surfaces, including plastic. It is manufactured like oil paint but without the oil, making it water-based and safer to use. This water-solubility also contributes to its fast-drying property, which is advantageous if you want your paint to dry quickly. However, this can also be a drawback if you want to create layers and shadows, as in portrait painting, where oil paint excels.
Acrylic paint is beginner-friendly and suitable for artists of all skill levels. It offers a wide range of vibrant colours due to its ability to use natural or synthetic pigments. This variety of colours allows you to mix and blend shades and tones to suit your creative needs. Additionally, acrylic paint is known for its adhesion and colour vibrancy, making it less likely to flake or peel over time.
While acrylic paint generally adheres well to porous surfaces, it may require more preparation and priming when used on non-porous surfaces like plastic. A suitable primer, such as cheap Krylon 2x, can help ensure the paint adheres properly. It is also important to note that while acrylic paint is easy to clean with soap and water when wet, it becomes more challenging to remove once it has dried.
In contrast, oil-based paints are not ideal for plastic figurines. Oil paints have a longer drying time, which can be advantageous if you want to take breaks during your painting project. However, this slow drying time is due to their oily base, which requires a primer as a base coat to help the paint adhere properly to the surface. This primer is especially necessary when using oil paint on non-porous surfaces like plastic to prevent improper drying.
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Painting process: Use various sizes of paintbrushes, from fine to wide, to carefully paint the figurine
Painting can be a fun way to breathe new life into old plastic figurines. Before you start painting, it's important to give your figurine a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt or grime. For larger figurines, you can use a hose to spray them off, while smaller figurines can be washed in hot soapy water. Once they're clean, leave them to dry completely in the sun.
Now, let's talk about the painting process. You'll need a variety of paintbrushes in different sizes, from very fine to slightly wider. Acrylic paints are recommended for this project. Start by priming the figurine with a thin, light coat of primer paint. Avoid applying too much primer as it can glob up and leave streaks.
When you're ready to paint, use your fine paintbrushes for detailed work and small areas, and the wider brushes for larger surfaces or backgrounds. Take your time and be careful not to overload your brush with paint to avoid drips. Work in thin layers, allowing each coat of paint to dry before applying the next. This will ensure a smooth and even finish.
Remember to let your figurine sit for a few days after painting to allow all the layers of paint to fully dry. This will help prevent the paint from chipping or peeling off later. Once it's completely dry, you can admire your handiwork and display your newly repainted figurine!
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Sealant: Apply a sealant to protect the paint and ensure longevity. Allow the sealant to dry completely before handling
Applying a sealant is an important step in repainting plastic figurines as it protects the paint and ensures the colours remain vibrant for longer. There are a few different products that can be used as a sealant, each with its own advantages.
One popular option is a matte spray varnish. This can be found at most local game stores and is designed for miniature figures. When using a spray varnish, it is recommended to spray each piece of the figurine individually (legs, arms, torso, etc.) with two to three light coats. Using powder-free surgical gloves is advised to avoid leaving residue on the figurine. If the weather is warm, allow a minute or two between coats for the varnish to dry. If it is cooler, wait a few minutes before touching the varnished area. Leaving the figurine to set overnight will ensure the varnish is completely dry.
Another option is a product called Mr Hobby matte clear, which provides a nice finish, although it may not protect the figurine from paint rub. For a similar product that does offer more protection, Mr Super Clear Flat Spray can be used. This product will prevent paint loss when moving the joints of the figurine.
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Frequently asked questions
Repainting plastic figurines is a good way to save money and breathe new life into old toys. It is also a fun craft project for people of all ages and skill levels.
First, give the figurine a thorough wash. If it is very dirty, spray it with a hose. Wash smaller toys in hot soapy water in a basin and scrub larger toys with a bucket of hot soapy water. Leave the figurine to dry in the sun.
Use acrylic paints as oil-based paints do not react well with plastic and never seem to dry properly.
Start by priming the figurine with a thin layer of primer paint. Then, use paintbrushes of various sizes, from very fine to a little wider, to apply the paint. Once you are done painting, apply a sealant to protect the figurine from wear and tear and to make the paint last longer. Allow the painted figurine to sit for a few days so that the paint and sealant can fully dry.
